He kissed her fingers devotedly. The young girl felt a tiny tear fall like a terrible weight on her hand. He lifted his head quickly, looked fixedly at Esperance with a look of such goodness and faith, that she felt suddenly guilty and bent her head. The Count shook hands cordially with the philosopher. "Do not forget," the elder man said to him, "that I want to have a little talk with you; it is more than a wish, it is a duty." "I also have a serious duty to attend to," replied the young Count. "Excuse me if I have to keep you waiting." CHAPTER XXVIII Albert went immediately to his mother, who was taking tea with the Princess. He embraced her with such tenderness that she was astonished at his ardour. The Princess held out her hand. "Do not wait too long to realize your happiness, Albert. You know how all your friends will rejoice with you." He kissed her hand again, and went to join his two seconds at the gate of the kitchen garden. The crowd had all dispersed to catch the last train. The meeting at the "Three Roads" was for seven. They saw the Duke de Castel-Montjoie from a distance. He had had some difficulty in making his escape, having had to help his mother, the Duchess, with the last farewells. He bowed to the Count and led the way by a little door to the inn stable. He was carrying two sets of swords, done up in two cases of green cloth. The Duke and his seconds were already there. Only the Doctor had not arrived. Morlay-La-Branche and Albert bowed to each other and got ready. The little bowers, where the _habitues_ of the inn often ate their midday meals, served them as dressing-rooms. The Doctor arrived out of breath, with the information that he had not been able to get a _confrere_ and would have to serve both sides. The umpire, in company with the seconds, chose an alley of proper dimensions. The adversaries were placed opposite, sword in hand. The Duke de Castel-Montjoie touched the points of their swords and said, "Go!" The conditions of the duel were very strict. The first round should last three minutes, should neither of the adversaries be touched. "Halt!" cried the Duke de Castel-Montjoie. One minute was allowed them to breathe. "Go," said the umpire, again joining the sword tips. This time Albert made a furious drive against the Duke. There was a moment of suspense. The Duke did not give way. His arm shot out and the unfortunate Count turned completely round and fell. Charles de Morlay's sword had pierced beneath the right arm pit, entering the lung. The blood streamed from the wounded man's mouth. The Doctor and the seconds carried him into the room which Jeanette had prepared. The Duke, sorely moved, followed them. Albert saw him and held out a hand which the Duke pressed gently, bending his head. The Count signed to the seconds to withdraw.